Communication apparatus and method, and functional module

ABSTRACT

A communication apparatus includes: a casing into which liquid is injected; two metal plates disposed so as to come into contact with the liquid within the casing; and a transmission/reception unit configured to transmit/receive an electric signal with the two metal plates as antennas, and with the liquid as a medium; with the antennas transmitting/receiving the electric signal to/from a functional module mounted into the casing so as to come into contact with the liquid; and with the functional module being mounted such that the liquid can flow from one of the two metal plates to the other.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention contains subject matter related to Japanese PatentApplication JP 2008-006988 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Jan.16, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a communication apparatus and method,and functional module, and specifically relates to a communicationapparatus and method, and functional module whereby improvement indesign flexibility, suppression of increase in manufacturing costs, andelimination of multipath influence with wireless communication can berealized.

2. Description of the Related Art

There has been a problem wherein when high-speed high-volumecommunication, of which communication of video signals isrepresentative, is performed in a constant multipath environment,generally-performed decoding results in loss in signals due to DC offsetor the like caused by multipath, which prevents communication from beingperformed. The constant multipath mentioned here is caused with anenvironment wherein a transmitter and receiver which perform wirelesscommunication are covered with metal, and examples of such anenvironment include a case wherein wireless communication is performedwithin an electronic device.

For example, description will be made how a constant multipath signalchanges in a case wherein wireless communication employing ASK(Amplitude Shift Keying) modulation is performed within the casing of anelectronic device.

White noise (e.g., thermal noise) or colored noise (e.g., noise emittedfrom another LSI) which is included in the casing, or a signal reflectedor diffracted at the wall face or board within the casing is added toradio waves emitted within the casing, and when receiving such radiowaves, the original transmitted signal waveform is not reproduced,rather, a distorted waveform is reproduced instead. In particular, aserious problem is caused by deterioration due to reflected waves inputto a reception point with the same magnitude as the power of thetransmitted signal.

The reflected waves can be regarded as a signal having the same signalwaveform as the signal waveform to be received, but having a differentroute (accordingly, time for transmission is shifted). When suchreflected waves are overlapped with the original signal at a receptionpoint, the waveform of the original signal is distorted, interference iscaused, and consequently decoding becomes difficult.

Thus, signal waves made up of transmitted waves (original signal), andreflected waves transmitted with a different route from that of thetransmitted waves being overlapped, are also referred to as multipathwaves, and influence due to multipath waves becomes a serious problem asthe speed of a transmission signal increases. Also, with the relatedart, deterioration in a reception waveform due to multipath causedwithin the casing of an electronic device, or the like is generallyconstant over time, and time over which there is influence due tomultipath waves is short with a reception waveform, and accordingly, anenvironment such as within the casing of an electronic device can beunderstood as being a constant multipath environment.

With such a constant multipath environment, there are the followingmethods as a method for attempting to improve communication quality.

For example, there can be conceived a method wherein OFDM (OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiplexing) is employed at the time ofmodulation/demodulation, thereby realizing improvement in communicationquality. However, when employing OFDM, fast Fourier transform often hasto be performed, and consequently, increase in power consumption causesa problem.

Also, for example, there can be conceived a method wherein SS (SpreadSpectrum) and rake reception are employed, thereby realizing improvementin communication quality. However, when employing SS, signal processingof which the speed is higher than a transmission signal has to beperformed, and accordingly, this is unsuitable for broadbandcommunication such as transmission of video signals.

Also, for example, there can be conceived a method wherein amulti-antenna is employed, thereby realizing improvement incommunication quality. However, in order to obtain the advantage of themulti-antenna, the spacing between the antennas has to be sufficientlyseparated, and accordingly, for example, in a case wherein amulti-antenna is realized on a board within the casing of an electronicdevice, placement is restricted, leading to increase in the size of thedevice, and restriction of design flexibility.

Further, there can be conceived a method wherein a wave absorber isemployed, thereby realizing improvement in communication quality (e.g.,see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-220264).According to the technique of Japanese Unexamined Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2004-220264, there is provided a wave absorber withinthe casing, which absorbs electromagnetic waves with a frequency band ofextremely-short pulses, and prevents the reflection thereof. This waveabsorber is configured of ferrite, urethane, or the like having highabsorption characteristics as to a frequency band of extremely-shortpulses as a material, and is installed by a plate-shaped wave absorberbeing adhered to the inner wall of the casing as appropriate, forexample.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, with the technique of Japanese Unexamined Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2004-220264, a wave absorber has to be adhered to theinside of the casing, and accordingly, this may bring about restrictionof device design, and increase in manufacturing costs.

Also, the attenuation of reflected waves differs depending onelectromagnetic waves to be transmitted so for example, in the case ofemploying electromagnetic waves of a frequency band other than thefrequency band of extremely-short pulses, the material of the waveabsorber has to be reconsidered.

It has been found desirable to provide a method for realizingimprovement in design flexibility, suppression of increase inmanufacturing costs, and elimination of multipath influence withwireless communication.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a communicationapparatus includes: a casing into which liquid is injected; two metalplates disposed so as to come into contact with the liquid within thecasing; and a transmission/reception unit configured to transmit/receivean electric signal with the two metal plates as antennas, and with theliquid as a medium; with the antennas transmitting/receiving theelectric signal to/from a functional module mounted in the casing so asto come into contact with the liquid; and with the functional modulebeing mounted such that the liquid can flow from one of the two metalplates to the other.

The multiple functional modules may be detachably mounted.

A DC current may be emitted into the liquid as the electric signal.

The transmission/reception unit emits a current into the liquid witheach of the two metal plates as an electrode, and transfers power to thefunctional module along with the electric signal.

The transmission/reception unit may transmit the electric signalobtained by a baseband signal being subjected to Manchester encoding andphase modulation.

The transmission/reception unit may decode the baseband signal byreceiving the electric signal, holding the data of the received electricsignal at a seven-stage shift register based on a synchronizing signalwith a frequency four times the baseband signal, and calculatingcorrelation of the held data.

Information relating to the power consumption of the functional modulemay be obtained by transmitting/receiving the electric signal.

Electric load for consuming power by executing predetermined processingmay be provided in the functional module; with wherein in a case inwhich the multiple functional modules are mounted, a command forexecuting the processing of the electric load is transmitted as theelectric signal in order from the functional module having the greatestpower consumption.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a communicationmethod for a communication apparatus including a casing into whichliquid is injected, two metal plates disposed so as to come into contactwith the liquid within the casing, and a transmission/reception unitconfigured to transmit/receive an electric signal with the two metalplates as antennas, and with the liquid as a medium, the communicationmethod includes the steps of: performing communication with multiplefunctional modules mounted within the casing by transmitting/receivingan electric signal with the liquid as a medium; determining the numberof the functional modules mounted in the communication apparatus itself,and the power consumption of each of the functional modules, based onthe communication; determining the activation order of the functionalmodules based on the determined power consumption; and transmitting theelectric signal which is a command for activating the functional modulesin accordance with the determined activation order, and also supplyingpower to the functional modules from the two metal plates through theliquid.

According to the above configuration, communication is performed withthe multiple functional modules by transmitting/receiving an electricsignal with the liquid as a medium, the number of the functional modulesmounted within the communication apparatus itself, and the powerconsumption of each of the functional modules are determined based onthe communication, the activation order of the functional modules isdetermined based on the determined power consumption, the electricsignal which is a command for activating the functional modules istransmitted in accordance with the determined activation order, andpower is also supplied to the functional modules from the two metalplates through the liquid.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a functional modulefor receiving power supply from a communication apparatus including acasing into which liquid is injected, two metal plates disposed so as tocome into contact with the liquid within the casing, and atransmission/reception unit configured to transmit/receive an electricsignal with the two metal plates as antennas, and with the liquid as amedium, the functional module includes: antennas disposed on the surfaceand rear face of a plate-shaped main unit respectively, which come intocontact with the liquid; and a communication unit configured tocommunicate with the communication apparatus or another functionalmodule by transmitting/receiving the electric signal with the liquid asa medium; with the surface area of the main unit being smaller than thecross-sectional area of the casing.

The communication apparatus may transfer power to the functional modulealong with the electric signal by emitting a current into the liquidwith each of the two metal plates as an electrode; and wherein thefunctional module may further include a power conversion circuit obtainspower transferred from the communication apparatus with the antennas aselectrodes through the electrodes, and supplies the power to electricload.

The antennas may be connected to the power conversion circuit, and bealso connected to the communication unit through a coupling capacitor.

Multiple electrodes may be disposed on each of the surface and rear faceof the main unit; with the electric load and the electric conversioncircuit being provided, which correspond to each of the multipleelectrodes.

The power conversion circuit may include a diode bridge for rectifying acurrent supplied from the electrodes.

The electrodes may have an area corresponding to the volume of theliquid.

The communication unit may transmit the electric signal obtained by abaseband signal being subjected to Manchester encoding and phasemodulation.

The communication unit may decode the baseband signal by receiving theelectric signal, holding the data of the received electric signal at aseven-stage shift register based on a synchronizing signal with afrequency four times the baseband signal, and calculating correlation ofthe held data.

Information relating to the power consumption of the functional moduleitself may be transmitted with the electric signal.

Sealing members may be provided, which cover electrodes disposed on thesurface and rear face of the main unit.

According to the above configuration, an antenna is disposed on each ofthe surface and rear face of a plate-shaped main unit, communication isperformed with the communication apparatus or another functional moduleby transmitting/receiving the electric signal with the liquid as amedium, and the surface area of the main unit is configured so as to besmaller than the cross-sectional area of the casing.

According to the present invention, there can be realized improvement indesign flexibility, suppression of increase in manufacturing costs, andelimination of multipath influence with wireless communication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of apower transfer apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of afunctional module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the functional module in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another configurationexample of the functional module;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case wherein thefunctional modules are mounted in the power transfer apparatus in FIG.1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram describing a transfer route of the power in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an equivalent circuit ofthe power transfer apparatus shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of thefunctional module;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example ofthe functional module;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating another configuration exampleof the power transfer apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating yet another configuration example ofthe functional module;

FIG. 12 is a diagram as viewed from the side face of the rear side ofthe functional module in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating yet another configurationexample of the functional module;

FIG. 14 is a diagram describing a route of communication performed withthe functional module in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of theRF signal processing circuit in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of thetransmission unit in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a diagram describing the configuration of an IQ symbols;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of thereception unit in FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of thesynchronizing unit in FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a diagram describing a baseband signal, clock signal, andsynchronizing signal;

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating experimental results obtained byexamining the transmission quantity of the signal in the case oftransferring a signal to the functional module by the power transferapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart describing communication processing of thefunctional module;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart describing transmission processing;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart describing reception processing;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart describing power supply communication processing;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart describing communication processing;

FIGS. 27A and 27B are diagrams illustrating reception waveforms in thecase of emitting radio waves subjected to ASK modulation within andoutside the casing;

FIGS. 28A and 28B are diagrams illustrating reception waveforms in thecase of emitting radio waves subjected to ASK modulation within andoutside the casing;

FIGS. 29A and 29B are diagrams illustrating reception waveforms in thecase of emitting radio waves subjected to ASK modulation within andoutside the casing;

FIGS. 30A and 30B are diagrams illustrating reception waveforms in thecase of emitting radio waves subjected to ASK modulation within andoutside the casing;

FIGS. 31A and 31B are diagrams illustrating a transmission waveform andreception waveform in the case of emitting radio waves subjected to ASKmodulation at predetermined transfer speed; and

FIGS. 32A and 32B are diagrams arranging and superimposing the phases ofenvelope curves of 14 waveforms on a waveform within a predeterminedtime interval regarding the waveforms in FIGS. 31A and 31B.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before describing an embodiment of the present invention, thecorrespondence between the features of the claims and the specificelements disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention, with orwithout reference to drawings, is discussed below. This description isintended to assure that an embodiment supporting the claimed inventionis described in this specification. Thus, even if an element in thefollowing embodiment is not described as relating to a certain featureof the present invention, that does not necessarily mean that theelement does not relate to that feature of the claims. Conversely, evenif an element is described herein as relating to a certain feature ofthe claims, that does not necessarily mean that the element does notrelate to the other features of the claims.

A communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention includes: a casing (e.g., casing 50 in FIG. 1) into whichliquid (e.g., solution 54 in FIG. 1) is injected; two metal plates(e.g., metal plate 51 and metal plate 52 in FIG. 1) disposed so as tocome into contact with the liquid within the casing; and atransmission/reception unit (e.g., power source module 55 in FIG. 1)configured to transmit/receive an electric signal with the two metalplates as antennas, and with the liquid as a medium; with the antennas(e.g., metal plate 71 and metal plate 72 in FIG. 3)transmitting/receiving the electric signal to/from a functional module(e.g., functional module 70 in FIG. 2) mounted into the casing so as tocome into contact with the liquid; and with the functional module beingmounted such that the liquid can flow from one of the two metal platesto the other.

A communication method according to an embodiment of the presentinvention is a communication method for a communication apparatusincluding a casing (e.g., casing 50 in FIG. 1) into which liquid (e.g.,solution 54 in FIG. 1) is injected, two metal plates (e.g., metal plate51 and metal plate 52 in FIG. 1) disposed so as to come into contactwith the liquid within the casing, and a transmission/reception unit(e.g., power source module 55 in FIG. 1) configured to transmit/receivean electric signal with the two metal plates as antennas, and with theliquid as a medium, the communication method including the steps of:performing communication with multiple functional modules mounted withinthe casing by transmitting/receiving an electric signal with the liquidas a medium (e.g., processing in step S102 in FIG. 25); determining thenumber of the functional modules mounted in the communication apparatusitself, and the power consumption of each of the functional modules,based on the communication (e.g., processing in steps S104 and S105 inFIG. 25); determining the activation order of the functional modulesbased on the determined power consumption (e.g., processing in step S105in FIG. 25); and transmitting the electric signal which is a command foractivating the functional modules in accordance with the determinedactivation order, and also supplying power to the functional modulesfrom the two metal plates through the liquid (e.g., processing in stepS106 in FIG. 25).

A functional module according to an embodiment of the present inventionis a functional module for receiving power supply from a communicationapparatus including a casing (e.g., casing 50 in FIG. 1) into whichliquid (e.g., solution 54 in FIG. 1) is injected, two metal plates(e.g., metal plate 51 and metal plate 52 in FIG. 1) disposed so as tocome into contact with the liquid within the casing, and atransmission/reception unit (e.g., power source module 55 in FIG. 1)configured to transmit/receive an electric signal with the two metalplates as antennas, and with the liquid as a medium, the functionalmodule including: antennas (e.g., metal plate 71 and metal plate 72 inFIG. 3) disposed on the surface and rear face of a plate-shaped mainunit (e.g., main unit 73 in FIG. 3) respectively, which come intocontact with the liquid; and a communication unit (e.g., RF signalprocessing circuit 341 in FIG. 13) configured to communicate with thecommunication apparatus or another functional module bytransmitting/receiving the electric signal with the liquid as a medium;with the surface area of the main unit being smaller than thecross-sectional area of the casing.

With this functional module, the communication apparatus may transferpower to the functional module along with the electric signal byemitting a current into the liquid with each of the two metal plates asan electrode; and wherein the functional module may further include apower conversion circuit (e.g., power conversion circuit 301 in FIG. 13)obtains power transferred from the communication apparatus with theantennas as electrodes through the electrodes, and supplies the power toelectric load (e.g., load 302 in FIG. 13).

With this functional module, multiple electrodes may be disposed on eachof the surface and rear face of the main unit; with the electric loadand the electric conversion circuit being provided, which correspond toeach of the multiple electrodes (e.g., configured such as shown in FIG.11).

With this functional module, the electrodes may have an areacorresponding to the volume of the liquid (e.g., configured such asshown in FIG. 10).

With this functional module, sealing members (e.g., sealing members 81and 82 in FIG. 4) may be provided, which cover electrodes disposed onthe surface and rear face of the main unit.

Description will be made regarding embodiments of the present inventionwith reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective viewillustrating the configuration of a casing 50 of a power transferapparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thecasing 50 is, for example, made up of plastic or metal or the like, andspace therein is configured so as to be filled with solution 54.

Metal plates 51 and 52 provided in the inner side of the casing 50 aredisposed in a state electrically insulated from the casing 50. That isto say, an arrangement is made wherein the metal plates 51 and 52 do notelectrically conduct through the casing 50. Note that the metal plates51 and 52 may be configured as a part of the casing 50.

Also, a power source module 55 connected to the metal plate 51 or 52 isdisposed within or outside the casing 50. With the example in FIG. 1,the power source module 55 is disposed outside the casing 50. With thepower source module 55, for example, terminals and so forth forsupplying power are provided, one of the terminals is connected to themetal plate 51, and the other terminal is connected to the metal plate52.

The power source module 55 is configured so as to apply a DC current orAC current to the metal plate 51 or 52. Also, with the power sourcemodule 55, for example, various types of operating interfaces such as apower button for starting the power transfer apparatus 10, and so forth,as appropriate. Also, for example, a signal processing circuit or thelike including a CPU, memory, and so forth, may be included in the powersource module 55.

An arrangement is made wherein, of space within the casing 50,functional modules for receiving power supply are disposed in spacewhich is filled with the solution 54, such as described later. That isto say, power generated by the power source module 55 is supplied to thefunctional modules within the casing 50, and in response to powersupply, the functional modules execute predetermined processing.

Note that description has been made here wherein the inside of thecasing 50 is filled with the solution 54, but the solution 54 is notrestricted in particular, and may be fresh water for example, or anotherliquid for that matter, as long as the solution 54 is a liquid havingelectric conductivity.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of afunctional module to be disposed in the space within the casing 50. Asshown in the drawing, a functional module 70 is configured so as tosandwich a main unit 73 with metal plates 71 and 72. With the main unit73, as described later, a power conversion circuit, signal processingLSI, and so forth are disposed, and the power conversion circuit isconnected to the metal plates 71 and 72.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the functional module 70 taken alongplane III shown in FIG. 2. As shown in the drawing, the metal plates 71and 72 are disposed so as not to come into contact with each other, andare connected to the power conversion circuit and so forth within themain unit 73.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another configurationexample of the functional module 70, and is a cross-sectional viewcorresponding to FIG. 3. With the example in FIG. 4, a sealing member81-1 is provided so as to cover the metal plate 71, and a sealing member81-2 is provided so as to cover the metal plate 72. Also, sealingmembers 82-1 and 82-2 are provided between the sealing members 81-1 and81-2, respectively. Here, the sealing members 81-1 and 81-2 are made upof the same material, and the sealing members 82-1 and 82-2 are made upof the same material, and in a case wherein there is no need toparticularly distinguish among these, let us simply refer to the sealingmember 81 and sealing member 82, respectively.

The sealing members 81 and 82 are provided to prevent the user fromelectrocution by directly touching the metal plates 71 and 72 in a casewherein a user handles the function module 70 with the hands forexample, and are made up of, for example, an insulating material.

For example, an arrangement is made wherein the functional module 70 iscovered with only the sealing member 81, there is a possibility that themetal plates 71 and 72 are electrically conducted by a faint currentflowing through the sealing member 81, so the sealing members 82-1 and82-2 are inserted between the sealing members 81-1 and 81-2,respectively. Thus, the metal plates 71 and 72 can be prevented fromelectrically being conducted by a faint current flowing through thesealing members.

Note that, in order to supply power effectively to the functional module70, and also prevent the metal plates 71 and 72 from electrically beingconducted by a faint current flowing through the sealing members, it isdesirable to configure the sealing members 82 and 81 such that thepermittivity of the sealing member 81 is generally equal to thepermittivity of the solution 54, and the absolute value of thedifference between the permittivity of the sealing member 82 and thepermittivity of the sealing member 81 is as great a value as possible.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example wherein functional modulesare mounted in the power transfer apparatus 10. In the drawing,functional modules 70-1 and 70-2 are mounted in the power transferapparatus 10. Now, let us say that the functional modules 70-1 and 70-2are each configured in the same way as the functional module 70described with reference to FIGS. 2 through 4.

In FIG. 5, the functional module 70-1 is mounted such that one of thecross-sections thereof contacts the cross-section of the front side inthe depth direction of the casing 50 in the drawing, and the othercross-section does not contact the cross-section of the rear side in thedepth direction of the casing 50 in the drawing. Similarly, thefunctional module 70-2 is mounted such that one of the cross-sectionsthereof contacts the cross-section of the rear side in the depthdirection of the casing 50 in the drawing, and the other cross-sectiondoes not contact the cross-section of the front side in the depthdirection of the casing 50 in the drawing.

That is to say, the space within the casing 50 is completely filled withthe homogeneous solution 54 without being separated by the functionalmodule 70-1 or 70-2. In other words, even in a state wherein thefunctional module 70 is mounted, the solution 54 can flow freely fromthe metal plate 51 to the metal plate 52 within the casing 50.

With the power transfer apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention thus configured, for example, the size of the casing50 may be any size as long as the size is enough for the main unit 73configured in a plate shape, and metal plates 71 and 72, to be immersedin the solution 54 within the casing 50. For example, the functionalmodule 70 might be configured such that the surface area of the mainunit 73 (or metal plates 71 and 72) is smaller than the cross-sectionalarea of the casing 50.

Accordingly, with the power transfer apparatus 10 according to anembodiment of the present invention, flexibility is high, such as theshape of the functional module 70, the shape of the casing 50, and soforth, and accordingly, many different kinds of designs can be employed,and cost can be suppressed. Further, attachment/detachment of thefunctional module 70 can be readily performed.

As shown in FIG. 5, with the power transfer apparatus 10 in which thefunctional modules are mounted, transfer of power (supply of power tothe functional modules) is performed such as shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6,the transfer route of power is displayed with arrows in the drawing.

With the example in FIG. 6, let us say that the power source module 55generates a DC current, the terminal on the “−” side of the power sourcemodule 55 is connected to the metal plate 51, and the terminal on the“+” side of the power source module 55 is connected to the metal plate52.

The DC current supplied from the terminal on the “−” side of the powersource module 55 flows from the metal plate 51 to the metal plate 71(the metal plate on the left side in the drawing) of the functionalmodule 70-1 through the solution 54. Subsequently, the current flowsfrom the metal plate 72 (the metal plate on the right side in thedrawing) of the functional module 70-1 to the metal plate 71 (the metalplate on the left side in the drawing) of the functional module 70-2through the solution 54. Further, the current flows from the metal plate72 (the metal plate on the right side in the drawing) of the functionalmodule 70-2 to the metal plate 52 through the solution 54, and reachesthe terminal on the “+” side of the power source module 55. Let us saythat the current mentioned here is the flow of electrons.

As described above, the space within the casing 50 is anywhere filledwith the homogeneous solution 54 without separating the solution 54within the casing 50 by the functional module 70-1 or 70-2, so forexample, a faint current may flow directly from the metal plate 51 tothe metal plate 71 of the functional module 70-2 through the solution54. However, as described later, an LSI or the like of which theresistance value is sufficiently small is provided as load on thefunctional module 70, so consequently, the resistance value of theelectric route from the metal plate 51 to the metal plate 71 of thefunctional module 70-2 through the solution 54 is greater than theresistance value of the electric route from the metal plate 51 to themetal plate 71 of the functional module 70-1 through the solution 54,and from the metal plate 72 of the functional module 70-1 to the metalplate 71 of the functional module 70-2 through the solution 54.

Accordingly, with the present invention, transfer of power at the powertransfer apparatus 10 in which the functional modules are mounted may beperformed in order of the metal 51, functional module 70-1, functionalmodule 70-2, and so on, as described with reference to FIG. 6.

Note here that description has been made regarding a case wherein poweris supplied with a DC current to the functional module 70, but if anarrangement is made wherein the power source module 55 generates an ACcurrent, power can be supplied with an AC current to the functionalmodule 70.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an equivalent circuit ofthe power transfer apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 5. As shown in thedrawing, the metal plate (metal plate 51 or 52) of the casing, and themetal plate (metal plate 71 or 72) of the functional module areconnected through the solution without directly contacting so as tosupply power wirelessly. Note that the metal plates of the functionalmodules 70-1 and 70-2 are also connected without direct contact so as tosupply power wirelessly. In other words, the power supplied from thepower source module 55 is transferred through a capacitor made up of themetal plate of the casing, the metal plate of the functional module, andthe solution, thereby supplying power wirelessly.

Also, with the example in FIG. 7, a power conversion circuit 101 andload 102 are provided within the functional modules 70-1 and 70-2. Thepower conversion circuit 101 is a circuit for converting the powersupplied from the metal plate 71 into a power level for the load 102,and the load 102 is an electronic circuit, for example, such as an LSI(large-scale integration) or the like for performing various types ofsignal processing.

That is to say, power is supplied to the functional module 70 bymounting the functional module 70 in the power transfer apparatus 10,whereby various types of signal processing can be executed.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of thefunctional module 70. The power conversion circuit 101 and load 102 areprovided in the main unit 73 of the functional module 70, and the metalplates 71 and 72 are each connected to a switching regulator 121 of thepower conversion circuit 101. The power conversion circuit 101 isconfigured of a controller 123 for adjusting the capacity of avariable-capacity capacitor 122, switching regulator 121 for performingboosting/step-down operation, and variable-capacity capacitor 122. Thecontroller 123 adjusts the capacity of the variable-capacity capacitor122 so as to supply power to the load 102 in a stable manner accordingto the power consumption of the load 102, and controls the switchingregulator 121 so as to suppress occurrence of an abnormalvoltage/current level at the metal plates 71 and 72.

The functional module 70 is configured such as shown in FIG. 8, wherebypower can be supplied to the load 102 such as a signal processing LSI orthe like in a stable manner.

However, in the case of the example in FIG. 8, the functional module 70has to be mounted in the power transfer apparatus 10 so as to take thepolarity of the functional module 70 into consideration. For example,the functional module 70 has to be mounted by finding out whether todirect each of the metal plates 71 and 72 of the functional module 70 ineither the left or the right in the drawing of FIG. 5 or 6, otherwisepower is supplied to the load 102 in an unstable manner. This is becausethe polarities of the meal plates 51 and 52 of the casing 50 have tocorrespond to the polarities of the metal plates 71 and 72 of thefunctional module 70.

For example, a diode bridge is built onto the functional module 70,whereby power can be supplied to the load 102 in a stable manner withoutmatching the polarities of the meal plates 51 and 52 of the casing 50with the polarities of the metal plates 71 and 72 of the functionalmodule 70.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example ofthe functional module 70. With the example in the drawing, a diodebridge 125 is provided in the power conversion circuit 101. The diodebridge 125 rectifies the current supplied from the metal plates 71 and72 to supply this to the switching regulator 121. The otherconfigurations in FIG. 9 are the same as those in the case of FIG. 8.Rectifying the current by the diode bridge 125 enables power to besupplied to the load 102 without matching the polarities of the mealplates 51 and 52 of the casing 50 with the polarities of the metalplates 71 and 72 of the functional module 70.

The functional module 70 is configured such as shown in FIG. 9, so thefunctional module 70 does not have to be mounted in the power transferapparatus 10 taking the polarities of the functional module 70 intoconsideration. According to such a configuration, for example, even ifthe functional module 70 is mounted by directing each of the metalplates 71 and 72 of the functional module 70 to either the left or theright in FIG. 5 or 6, power can be supplied to the load 102 in a stablemanner.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating another configuration of thepower transfer apparatus 10. This diagram is a perspective viewcorresponding to FIG. 5. With the example in FIG. 10, the inside of thecasing 50 is filled with the solution 54 only up to a position showingwith hatching in the drawing. That is to say, in the case of the examplein FIG. 10, the capacity of the solution 54 is generally a half of thecase in FIG. 5. Also, in the case of FIG. 10, each of the areas of themetal plates (metal plates 51 and 52) of the casing 50, and the metalplates (metal plates 71 and 72) of the functional module 70 is a half inthe case of FIG. 5. That is to say, in the case of the example in FIG.10, the capacity of the solution 54 decreases, and the height of thespace to be filled with the solution 54 within the casing 50 is changed,and accordingly, even if the height (the length in the verticaldirection in the drawing) of the metal plates of the casing 50, and themetal plates of the functional module 70 is reduced as compared to thecase in FIG. 5, the transfer efficiency of power is not influenced.

In the event that the power transfer apparatus 10 is configured such asshown in FIG. 10, though the amount of power which can be transferredper time increment is smaller as compared to the case in FIG. 5, forexample, reduction in weight of the apparatus, and reduction inmanufacturing costs of the apparatus can be realized.

Note that in the case in FIG. 10 as well, similar to the case in FIG. 5,the solution 54 within the casing 50 is homogeneous everywhere withoutbeing separated by the functional module 70-1 or 70-2.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams illustrating another configuration exampleof the functional module to be mounted in the power transfer apparatus10. FIG. 11 is a diagram viewing a functional module 170 from one sideface, and FIG. 12 is a diagram viewing the function module 170 from theside face of the rear side of the face illustrated in FIG. 11.

The functional module 170 is different from the case of the functionalmodule 70 in FIG. 2 in that multiple power conversion circuits andmultiple signal processing LSIs (load) are provided on a main unit 173.The functional module 170 is different from the case of the functionalmodule 70 in FIG. 2 in that metal plates for covering both faces of themain unit 173 are not provided, and there are provided multiple metalplates of which the areas are smaller than the area of the main unit173.

As shown in FIG. 11, a metal plate 171-1, metal plate 181-1, metal plate171-2, and metal plate 181-2 are provided on one side face of thefunctional module 170. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, a metal plate 172-1corresponding to the metal plate 171-1, a metal plate 182-1corresponding to the metal plate 181-1, a metal plate 172-2corresponding to the metal plate 171-2, and a metal plate 182-2corresponding to the metal plate 181-2 are provided on the side face ofthe rear side of the functional module 170.

Also, as shown in FIG. 11, with the functional module 170, a powerconversion circuit 201-1 connected to the metal plate 171-1, a powerconversion circuit 211-1 connected to the metal plate 181-1, and a powerconversion circuit 201-2 connected to the metal plates 171-2 and 181-2are provided. As shown in FIG. 12, the metal plate 172-1 is connected tothe power conversion circuit 201-1 by a via 192, the metal plate 182-1is connected to the power conversion circuit 211-1 by a via 193, and themetal plates 172-2 and 182-2 are connected to the power conversioncircuit 201-2 by a via 191.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the power conversion circuits 201-1 and211-1 supply power to a signal processing LSI 202-1, and the powerconversion circuit 201-2 supplies power to a signal processing LSI202-2.

Now, let us say that the power conversion circuits 201-1, 211-1, and201-2 are configured in the same way as the power conversion circuit 101shown in FIG. 8 or 9.

The functional module 170 is also mounted in the power transferapparatus 10, and receives power supply, in the same way as the casedescribed with reference to FIG. 5, but in the case of the functionalmodule 170 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the multiple power conversioncircuits and multiple metal plates are disposed in the vicinity of thesignal processing LSI, so for example, power for the signal processingLSI 202-1 or power for the signal processing LSI 202-2 can be suppliedlocally, and consequently, power consumption as the entirety of thefunctional module 170 can be reduced.

Thus, according to the present invention, power can be supplied withoutemploying electromagnetic waves or electromagnetic induction, so aproblem such as marked deterioration in conversion efficiency, or thelike is not included, high power can be transferred efficiently. Also,according to the present invention, the functional module 70 is simplydisposed within the casing 50 into which the solution 54 is injected,whereby power can be transferred wirelessly, and accordingly,flexibility of apparatus design can be enhanced.

Description has been made so far regarding transfer of power accordingto the present invention, but signals may also be transferred by thepresent invention. That is to say, the power transfer apparatus 10 maybe employed as an apparatus for transferring power to the functionalmodule 70, and also transferring signals.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of thefunctional module 70 in the case of transferring signals to thefunctional module 70. This drawing is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 8,and the same reference numerals are appended to the blocks correspondingto those in FIG. 8.

With the example in FIG. 13, unlike the case of FIG. 8, a RF signalprocessing circuit 341 is provided as a part of the load 302. The RFsignal processing circuit 341 is a functional block for performingwireless communication through the solution 54. Also, with the examplein FIG. 13, unlike the case of FIG. 8, there are provided a couplingcapacitor 342 for connecting the RF signal processing circuit 341 andmetal plate 71, and a coupling capacitor 343 for connecting the RFsignal processing circuit 341 and metal plate 72.

In the case of the configuration in FIG. 13, the metal plates 71 and 72are each employed as conductors for transferring power, and are alsoeach employed as antennas for performing wireless transmission/receptionof signals. The coupling capacitors 342 and 343 are provided forsuperimposing the current flowing to the metal plate 71 or 72 totransfer power, and the current of signals to be transmitted/receivedthrough the metal plate 71 or 72.

That is to say, the metal plates 71 and 72 are connected to the powerconversion circuit 301, and are also connected to the RF signalprocessing circuit 341 through the coupling capacitors 342 and 343,respectively.

The configurations of the other portions are the same as those in thecase of FIG. 8, so detailed description thereof will be omitted. Notethat with the functional module in FIG. 13, similar to the casedescribed with reference to FIG. 9, a diode bridge may be provided inthe power conversion circuit 301.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case wherein thefunctional modules 70 shown in FIG. 13 are disposed within the casing 50of the power transfer apparatus 10. With the example in FIG. 14, theinside of the casing 50 is filled with the solution 54 up to a positionillustrated with hatching, and functional modules 70-1 through 70-3 areprovided within the casing 50. Note that in the case of FIG. 14 as well,similar to the case in FIG. 10, the solution 54 within the casing 50 ishomogeneous anywhere without being separated by the functional module70-1 through 70-3.

Also, in the case of FIG. 14, signals are transferred to the functionalmodules 70 by the power transfer apparatus 10, so for example, let ussay that a communication processing circuit having the same function asthe RF signal processing circuit 341 in FIG. 13 is provided in the powersource module 55.

With the power transfer apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 14, in the case oftransferring a signal wirelessly, wireless communication with thesolution 54 as a medium is performed, with a signal to betransmitted/received between the functional modules 70-1 through 70-3being transmitted/received to/from the adjacent functional module.Specifically, a signal to be transmitted/received between the functionalmodules 70-1 through 70-3 is transferred such as shown in an arrow 31 or32, but is not transferred such as shown in an arrow 33.

As described above, the inside of the casing 50 is not separated by thefunctional modules 70-1 through 70-3, and is filled with the homogenoussolution 54, so for example, a faint current may flow directly from themetal plate of the functional module 70-1 to the metal plate of thefunctional module 70-3 through the solution 54.

However, an LSI or the like of which the resistance value issufficiently small is provided as load on each of the functional modules70-1 through 70-3, so consequently, the resistance value of the electricroute from the metal plate of the functional module 70-1 to the metalplate of the functional module 70-3 through the solution 54 is greaterthan the resistance value of the electric route from the metal plate ofthe functional module 70-1 to the metal plate of the functional module70-2 through the solution 54.

Therefore, communication skipping the midway functional module(functional module 70-2 in the case of the example in FIG. 14) is notperformed. Also, a signal transmitted (or received) from the metal plate51 or 52 of the power transfer apparatus 10 is also received (ortransmitted) by the functional module 70-1 or 70-3.

Accordingly, with the present invention, transfer of a signal at thepower transfer apparatus 10 in which the functional modules are mountedis performed in order, for example, such as the metal plate 51,functional module 70-1, functional module 70-2, and so on, withoutskipping the functional module on the way. Thus, with transfer of asignal according to the present invention, a signal is transferred tothe functional modules disposed in the nearest in order, wherebyinterference can be prevented.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed configurationexample of the RF signal processing circuit 341 shown in FIG. 13. In thecase of the functional module 70 transmitting a signal, atransmission/reception changeover switch 400 shown in the drawingoutputs the signal supplied from a transmission unit 401 to the couplingcapacitor 342 or 343, and in the case of the functional module 70receiving a signal, performs switching of the route oftransmission/reception of the signal so as to output the signal suppliedfrom the coupling capacitor 342 or 343 to an equalizer 402.

The transmission unit 401 in FIG. 15 is configured such as shown in FIG.16. Specifically, the transmission unit 401 is configured of a filter421 through encoder 423. The encoder 423 subjects transmission datagenerated by the signal processing LSI of the load 302 to processing,such as interleave, addition of an error correction code, encoding ofcode multiple, diffusion encoding, or the like, and then converts thisinto IQ symbols, and outputs the IQ symbols thereof with phasedifference of 90 degrees. For example, the encoder 423 subjects abaseband signal to Manchester encoding, and converts the signal whereinthe two bits of the baseband signal are subjected to Manchesterencoding, into a single transmission IQ symbol.

A signal transmitted as an I signal (or Q signal) is subjected tomapping such as shown in FIG. 17. With the example in FIG. 17, “1” ofthe baseband signal is subjected to Manchester encoding as a two-bitsignal of which the signal level is changed to “H”/“L”, and is subjectedto mapping to a symbol “1” of an I channel (ch). “0” of the basebandsignal is subjected to Manchester encoding as a two-bit signal of whichthe signal level is changed to “H”/“L”, and is subjected to mapping to asymbol “0” of an I channel (ch). Similarly, a two-bit signal is alsosubjected to mapping to a symbol “1” or symbol “0” of an Q channel, butthe signal (Q signal) of the Q channel has a phase difference of 90degrees as to the I channel (I signal).

Returning to FIG. 16, an adder 422 performs addition of the IQ symbolssupplied from the encoder 423. Note that, for example, in the case ofperforming wireless communication with electromagnetic waves as media,each of the I and Q signals supplied from the encoder 423 has to besubjected to carrier wave mixing, but with the present invention,wireless communication is performed with the solution as a medium, socarrier wave mixing does not have to be performed.

The filter 421 subjects the signal output through the processing of theadder 422 to filtering processing for suppressing harmonic signals, andconsequently, the signal output through the processing of the filter 421is output to the transmission/reception changeover switch 400.

The equalizer 402 in FIG. 15 multiplies the high-frequency components ofthe signal supplied from the transmission/reception changeover switch400 by a gain. For example, the equalizer 402 multiplies thetransmission line of the signal supplied from the transmission/receptionchangeover switch 400 by inverse frequency properties, therebyrectifying the digital signal.

Note that, for example, in the case of performing wireless communicationwith electromagnetic waves as a medium, processing for separatingcarrier waves from the signal supplied from the transmission/receptionchangeover switch 400 has to be performed, but with the presentinvention, wireless communication is performed with the solution as amedium, so separation of carrier waves does not have to be performed.

The reception unit 403 in FIG. 15 is configured such as shown in FIG.18. Specifically, the reception unit 403 is configured of a 7-stageshift registers 441 through decoder 443.

The synchronizing unit 404 in FIG. 15 is configured such as shown inFIG. 19. Specifically, the synchronizing unit 404 is configured of aquadruplicating unit 461 and phase synchronizing unit 462.

The quadruplicating unit 461 of the synchronizing unit 404 converts thefrequency of the digital signal supplied from the equalizer 402 intofour times, and outputs this to the phase synchronizing unit 462 througha high-pass filter for blocking the signal of which the frequency isequal to or smaller than a predetermined reference signal. Thus, thereis generated a signal of which the amplitude is switched to a “H” or “L”level with a frequency four times the baseband signal. The phasesynchronizing unit 462 generates a synchronizing signal by synchronizingthe signal having a frequency four times the clock of the basebandsignal supplied from an unshown oscillator, with the signal suppliedfrom the quadruplicating unit 461. Note that, for example, thesynchronizing unit 404 operates based on a control signal supplied fromthe signal processing LSI or the like.

For example, as to the baseband signal such as shown in FIG. 20, asynchronizing signal having a frequency four times the clock of thebaseband signal thereof is generated by the synchronizing unit 404.

Note that in FIG. 20, the vertical axis denotes a signal level, thehorizontal axis denotes time, and three signals are arrayed andillustrated in the vertical direction in the drawing. FIG. 20 is adiagram for describing the difference between these three signals.Specifically, in FIG. 20, from the top in the drawing, a baseband signalto be transmitted/received (e.g., transmission data generated by thesignal processing LSI of the load 302), the clock of the basebandsignal, and the synchronizing signal generated by the synchronizing unit404 are arrayed and illustrated.

The synchronizing signal output from the synchronizing unit 404 issupplied to the 7-stage shift register 441 in FIG. 18. The 7-stage shiftregister 441 latches seven bits worth of a digital signal supplied fromthe equalizer 402 based on the synchronizing signal.

The correlation computing unit 442 computes the correlation of the sevenbits worth of digital signal latched at the 7-stage shift register 441,determines IQ symbols based on the computation result, and outputs I andQ signals to the decoder 443.

Originally, in order to determine IQ symbols which are information oftwo bits worth of baseband signal, 8 (2 (bits)×4 (synchronizing signal))bits worth of shift register has to be employed, but with the presentinvention, correlation is computed by the correlation computing unit442, so 7-stage (7-bit) shift register 441 can be employed.

The decoder 443 generates two bits worth of baseband signal based on theI and Q signals supplied from the correlation computing unit 442, andsorts this in serial to output this to the signal processing LSI or thelike. Thus, the encoded baseband signal is decoded by the reception unit403.

Thus, the RF signal processing circuit 341 performs wirelesscommunication which is transmission/reception of an electric signalthrough the solution 54. Wireless communication is thus performed,whereby interference can be suppressed, as described above. Also,carrier wave mixing, or separation of carrier waves do not have to beperformed, whereby manufacturing costs of the apparatus can besuppressed, for example. Further, encoding/decoding processing of datais performed, whereby even if transfer of an electric signal isperformed along with transfer of power, the electric signal can beprevented from being distorted and from being unable to be received. Asa result thereof, high-precision wireless communication can be realizedwith a simple configuration.

FIG. 21 illustrates experimental results obtained by examining thetransmission quantity of the signal in the case of transferring a signalto the functional module 70 by the power transfer apparatus 10. Thisdrawing is experimental results in a case wherein the horizontal axisdenotes frequencies, the vertical axis denotes transmission quantityvalues (decibel), water is employed as the solution 54, and the twofunctional modules 70 are disposed with a several-centimeter interval,and transmission quantity values corresponding to change in thefrequency of the baseband signal to be transmitted/received are shown ina waveform 491.

In the case of transferring a signal to the functional module 70 by thepower transfer apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, it is desirable to transmit/receive a signal having afrequency of 700 MHz through 3 GHz corresponding to a gentle slopingportion having no amplitude of the waveform 491. This is because asignal having the above-mentioned frequency band istransmitted/received, whereby transfer of a stable electric signal canbe expected.

Next, description will be made regarding communication processing of thefunctional module 70, with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 22. Thisprocessing is executed when the functional module 70 performscommunication with the power source module 55 or another functionalmodule 70.

In step S11, the signal processing LSI of the functional module 70determines the current mode. Here, determination is made whether thecurrent mode is either a transmission mode or a reception mode. In acase wherein transmission of a signal is to be performed, in step S11,determination is made that the current mode is the transmission mode,and the processing proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, transmission processing is executed, which will bedescribed later with reference to FIG. 23. Now, the details of thetransmission processing in step S12 in FIG. 22 will be described withreference to the flowchart in FIG. 23.

In step S31, the signal processing LSI of the functional module 70changes over the transmission/reception changeover switch 400 so as tooutput the signal supplied from the transmission unit 401 to thecoupling capacitor 342 or 343.

In step S32, the encoder 423 of the transmission unit 401 encodes thedata to be transmitted. At this time, for example, the transmission datagenerated by the signal processing LSI is subjected to processing, suchas interleave, addition of an error correction code, encoding of codemultiple, diffusion encoding, or the like, following which this isconverted into IQ symbols, and the IQ symbols thereof are output withphase difference of 90 degrees.

In step S33, the adder 422 performs addition of the IQ symbols suppliedfrom the encoder 423, the filter 421 subjects the signal output throughthe processing of the adder 422 to filtering processing for suppressingharmonic signals, and the signal is transmitted.

In step S34, the signal processing LSI determines whether or not thetransmission has been completed. In a case wherein there is data to betransmitted, determination is made in step S34 that the transmission hasnot been completed, the processing returns to step S32, where thesubsequent processing is repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, in a case wherein determination is made in step S34that the transmission has been completed, the transmission processing isended.

Returning to FIG. 22, in a case wherein reception of a signal is to beperformed, determination is made in step S11 that the current mode isthe reception mode, and the processing proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, reception processing is executed, which will be describedlater with reference to FIG. 24. Now, the details of the receptionprocessing in step S13 in FIG. 22 will be described with reference tothe flowchart in FIG. 24.

In step S51, the signal processing LSI of the functional module 70changes over the transmission/reception changeover switch 400 so as tooutput the signal supplied from the coupling capacitor 342 or 343 to theequalizer 402. Thus, the reception unit 403 latches the digital signalsupplied from the equalizer 402 at the 7-stage shift register 441 basedon the synchronizing signal output from the synchronizing unit 404.

In step S52, the correlation computing unit 442 computes the correlationof the seven bits worth of digital signal latched at the 7-stage shiftregister 441, determines IQ symbols based on the computation result, andoutputs the I and Q signals to the decoder 443.

In step S53, the decoder 443 decodes two bits worth of baseband signalbased on the I and Q signals supplied from the correlation computingunit 442, and outputs this to the signal processing LSI as receptiondata.

In step S54, the signal processing LSI determines whether or not thereception has been completed. In a case wherein there is data to bereceived, determination is made in step S54 that the reception has notbeen completed, the processing returns to step S52, where the subsequentprocessing is repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, in a case wherein determination is made in step S54that the reception has been completed, the reception processing isended. Also, the communication processing in FIG. 22 is also ended alongwith this. The communication processing by the functional module 70 isthus executed.

Next, description will be made regarding power supply communicationprocessing in a case wherein with the power transfer apparatus 10, poweris transferred to the functional module 70, and communication with thefunctional module 70 is also performed, with reference to the flowchartin FIG. 25. This processing is executed, for example, when thefunctional module 70 is mounted in the power transfer apparatus 10. Now,for example, let us say that a communication processing circuit havingthe same function as the RF signal processing circuit 341 in FIG. 13 isprovided in the power source module 55 of the power transfer apparatus10.

In step S101, the power source module 55 of the power transfer apparatus10 determines whether or not the power has been turned on, and waitsuntil the power has been turned on. In a case wherein determination ismade in step S101 that the power has been turned on, the processingproceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the communication processing circuit of the power sourcemodule 55 executes communication processing, which will be describedlater with reference to FIG. 26. Now, the details of the communicationprocessing in step S102 in FIG. 25 will be described with reference tothe flowchart in FIG. 26.

In step S121, the communication processing circuit of the power sourcemodule 55 transmits a request to the functional module 70. Now, therequest mentioned here is for the power source module 55 requestingtransmission of the information as to the functional module 70 to obtaininformation relating to the number of the functional modules 70currently mounted in the power transfer apparatus 10, power consumption,and so forth.

Note that with regard to transmission of the request in step S121, letus say that the data is encoded and transmitted by the processing of thecommunication processing circuit of the power source module 55, such asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

The request transmitted in step S121 is received and analyzed by the RFsignal processing circuit 341 of the functional module 70, and the RFsignal processing circuit 341 transmits the response informationcorresponding to the request. Note that the response transmitted fromthe functional module 70 includes information representing the powerconsumption of the functional module 70 itself. For example, theresponse transmitted from the functional module 70-1 includes an ID fordetermining the functional module 70-1, and information representing thevalue of the maximum power consumption of the load 302 of the functionalmodule 70-1, and the response transmitted from the functional module70-2 includes an ID for determining the functional module 70-2, andinformation representing the value of the maximum power consumption ofthe load 302 of the functional module 70-2.

In step S122, the communication processing circuit of the power sourcemodule 55 determines whether or not the response from the functionalmodule 70 has been received. In a case wherein determination is made instep S122 that the response has been received, the processing proceedsto step S123.

Note that let us say that the response data received from the functionalmodule 70 is decoded by the processing of the communication processingcircuit of the power source module 55 such as described with referenceto FIGS. 18 through 20, and this data is employed for the subsequentprocessing.

In step S123, the communication processing circuit of the power sourcemodule 55 sets a mounting flag to ON. In step S124, the communicationprocessing circuit of the power source module 55 analyzes the receivedresponse, and obtains information relating to the power consumption ofthe functional module 70, or the like.

Here, the mounting flag is, for example, a flag representing that thefunctional module 70 is mounted, and in a case wherein the functionalmodule 70 is mounted, the mounting flag is ON, and in a case wherein thefunctional module 70 is not mounted, the mounting flag is OFF. In a casewherein the multiple functional modules 70 are mounted in the powertransfer apparatus 10, the mounting flag is set to ON, and the number ofthe mounted functional modules 70 is also counted, and the counted valueis stored in the memory within the communication processing circuit, orthe like. Also, in a case wherein the multiple functional modules 70 aremounted in the power transfer apparatus 10, information relating to thepower consumption of the functional module is stored in the memorywithin the communication processing circuit, or the like in a correlatedmanner with an ID for determining each of the functional modules, or thelike.

On the other hand, in a case wherein determination is made in step S122that the response has not been received, the processing proceeds to stepS125.

In step S125, the communication processing circuit of the power sourcemodule 55 sets the mounting flag to OFF.

Description will be back to FIG. 25. After the processing in step S102,the processing proceeds to step S103, where the communication processingcircuit of the power source module 55 determines whether or not thefunctional module 70 is mounted. In a case wherein the mounting flag isset to ON in step S102 (the communication processing described withreference to FIG. 26), determination is made in step S103 that thefunctional module 70 is mounted, and the processing proceeds to stepS104.

In step S104, the communication processing circuit of the power sourcemodule 55 determines the number of the mounted functional modules 70based on the information obtained by the processing in step S102.

In step S105, the communication processing circuit of the power sourcemodule 55 determines the activation order of the mounted functionalmodules 70 based on the information obtained by the processing in stepS102.

In a case wherein determination is made by the processing in step S104that the multiple functional modules are mounted, the activation orderof the multiple functional modules is determined in step S105. Thus, theactivation order is set so as to activate the function modules indescending order of power consumption.

In step S106, the communication processing circuit of the power sourcemodule 55 supplies power to the functional module 70 in accordance withthe activation order determined in the processing in step S105. At thistime, for example, power is supplied by the metal plates 51 and 52 ofthe casing 50, and also a signal for instructing activation of aparticular functional module corresponding to the activation order istransmitted from the metal plates 51 and 52 of the casing 50. The signalfor instructing activation of a particular functional modulecorresponding to the activation order, which is transmitted this time,is transferred as described above with reference to FIG. 14, and isreceived by the functional module which should receive the instructionthereof. Subsequently, the functional module which received the signalfor instructing activation of a particular functional module activatesthe power conversion circuit 301 to start consumption of power by theload 302.

In step S107, the communication processing circuit of the power sourcemodule 55 determines whether or not abnormality has been detected. Now,let us say that detection is made whether or not each of the mountedfunctional modules is operating normally (abnormally). Detection ofabnormality may be performed based on information to be periodicallytransmitted/received to/from the RF signal processing circuit 341 of thefunctional module 70, or change in the power consumption of thefunctional module 70, or the like.

In a case wherein determination is made in step S107 that abnormalityhas been detected, the processing proceeds to step S108, where theprocessing is in a standby state for several seconds. Subsequently, theprocessing proceeds to step S102, where the subsequent processing isrepeatedly executed.

In a case wherein determination is made in step S107 that abnormalityhas not been detected, the processing proceeds to step S109, wheredetermination is made whether or not the power has been turned off.

In a case wherein determination is made in step S109 that the power hasnot been turned off, the processing returns to step S106. In a casewherein determination is made in step S109 that the power has beenturned off, the processing ends.

Note that in a case wherein determination is made in step S103 that thefunctional module 70 is not mounted, the processing in steps S104through S109 is skipped, and the processing ends.

The power supply communication processing is thus performed. Thus, powercan be supplied to the mounted functional module, and communication fromthe power transfer apparatus to the mounted functional module, orcommunication between the mounted functional modules can also beperformed.

For example, in a case wherein the power transfer apparatus 10 andfunctional module 70 according to an embodiment of the present inventionhas been applied to an image processing apparatus for converting aninput image into a high-quality image to output this, an arrangement maybe made wherein once the detachable functional module 70-1 is mounted inthe power transfer apparatus 10, power is automatically supplied to thefunctional module 70-1, communication of pertinent information isperformed, noise of an input image is removed by the signal processingLSI of the functional module 70-1, and the image converted into ahigh-quality image is output. Subsequently, further, once the functionalmodule 70-2 is mounted in the power transfer apparatus 10, power is alsoautomatically supplied to the functional module 70-2, communication ofpertinent information is performed, pixel interpolation processing of aninput image is performed by the signal processing LSI of the functionalmodule 70-2, and the image converted into a further high-quality imageis output.

Description has been made here regarding an example of the case whereina signal is transferred to the functional module 70 along with power bythe power transfer apparatus 10, but an arrangement may be made whereinonly a signal is transferred to the functional module 70.

For example, an arrangement may be made wherein power is supplied to thefunctional module 70 by cable, battery, or the like, only wirelesscommunication with the solution 54 as a medium is performed within thecasing 50 of the power transfer apparatus 10. That is to say, anarrangement may be made wherein with the power transfer apparatus 10according to an embodiment of the present invention, transfer of powerto the functional module 70 is performed with another route,communication with the casing 50 of the functional module 70, orcommunication between the multiple functional modules 70, or the like,is performed by the above-described route.

That is to say, the power transfer apparatus 10 according to anembodiment of the present invention may be employed as a communicationapparatus for performing wireless communication with the solution 54 asa medium instead of an apparatus for transferring power. Accordingly,the power transfer apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention may be restated as a communication apparatus.

In this case, wireless communication is performed with solution as amedium, so carrier waves do not have to be employed, and further, ifpower is supplied by another route, the encoding processing of thetransmission unit 401, and the decoding processing of the reception unit403 also does not have to be performed.

If power is supplied by another route, for example, a baseband digitalsignal (pulses) may be transmitted/received directly. Also, as describedabove, a signal is transferred to the functional modules disposed in thenearest in order, whereby interference can be prevented as well.

Also, the communication apparatus (power transfer apparatus 10)according to an embodiment of the present invention solves the multipathproblem, which has been a source of trouble with wireless communicationperformed within the casing of an electronic device, for example.

Heretofore, for example, there has been a problem wherein if high-speedhigh-volume communication, of which communication of video signals isrepresentative, is performed in a constant multipath environment, withgenerally-performed decoding, signals may be lost due to DC offset orthe like caused by multipath, and accordingly, communication is notperformed. The constant multipath mentioned here is caused in anenvironment wherein a transmitter and receiver which perform wirelesscommunication are covered with metal, and examples of such anenvironment include a case wherein wireless communication is performedwithin an electronic device.

Specifically, there is a problem wherein if wireless communication isperformed within metal-covered narrow space such as the inside of thecasing of an electronic device, a transmission signal is reflectedseveral times within the casing such as an electronic device or thelike, and consequently, the waveform of a reception signal is disrupted.Therefore, heretofore, it has been difficult to employ a configurationwherein components (functional modules, etc.) communicate wirelesslywithin the casing of an electronic device or the like.

For example, description will be made regarding how a constant multipathsignal is changed in a case wherein wireless communication employing ASK(Amplitude Shift Keying) modulation is performed within the casing of anelectronic device.

White noise (e.g., thermal noise) or colored noise (e.g., noise emittedfrom another LSI) existing within the casing, or a signal reflected ordiffracted at the wall face or board within the casing is added to radiowaves emitted within the casing. Accordingly, upon receiving such radiowaves, the transmitted original signal waveform is not reproduced,rather, a distorted waveform is obtained instead. Particularly,deterioration due to reflected waves input to a reception point with thesame magnitude as the transmitted signal power causes a serious problem.

The reflected waves have the same waveform as the signal to be received,but this can be regarded as a signal of which the route differs fromthat of the signal to be received (accordingly, time for transfer isshifted). Upon the reflected waves thereof being superimposed on theoriginal signal to be received at a reception point, the waveform isdistorted, and interference is caused, which makes it difficult toperform decoding.

FIGS. 27A through 30B illustrate a reception waveform in a case whereinradio waves subjected to ASK modulation are emitted within or outsidethe casing, which has been observed with an oscilloscope. FIGS. 27A and27B illustrate a reception waveform at the outside of the casing, and areception waveform within the casing, respectively, in a case whereinthe transfer speed of the signal by means of radio waves is 250 kbps.FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate a reception waveform at the outside of thecasing, and a reception waveform within the casing, respectively, in acase wherein the transfer speed of the signal by means of radio waves is500 kbps. Similarly, FIGS. 29A and 29B, and FIGS. 30A and 30B correspondto a case wherein the transfer speed of the signal by means of radiowaves is 1 Mbps, and a case wherein the transfer speed of the signal bymeans of radio waves is 2 Mbps, respectively.

The ASK modulation method is a modulation method which represents “1” or“0” of the baseband signal depending on whether there is a signal, sothe faster the transfer speed is, the higher the possibility is that asignal section to be originally determined (decoded) as “0” isdetermined as “1” by the waveform being disrupted with reflected wavessuperimposing on that section.

For example, upon the reception waveform illustrated in FIG. 27A or 28Abeing distorted by the reflected waves within the casing, the receptionwaveform is changed to a waveform illustrated in FIG. 27B or FIG. 28B,but according to the reception waveform in FIG. 27B or 28B, a signalsection corresponding to “0” of the baseband signal, and a signalsection corresponding to “1” of the baseband signal can be generallyclearly distinguished. However, upon the reception waveform illustratedin FIG. 29A being distorted by the reflected waves within the casing,the waveform is changed to a waveform illustrated in FIG. 29B. Thereception waveform in FIG. 29B makes it difficult to clearly distinguisha signal section corresponding to “0” of the baseband signal, and asignal section corresponding to “1” of the baseband signal. Further,upon the reception waveform illustrated in FIG. 30A being distorted bythe reflected waves within the casing, the waveform is changed to awaveform illustrated in FIG. 30B. The reception waveform in FIG. 30Bmakes it difficult to clearly distinguish a signal section correspondingto “0” of the baseband signal, and a signal section corresponding to “1”of the baseband signal.

Thus, influence of the reflected waves with the reception waveformgreatly differs depending on the transfer speed of the signal, andaccordingly, the faster the transfer speed of a signal is, the greatercommunication quality is deteriorated by the reflected waves.

FIG. 31A illustrates a reception waveform in a case wherein radio wavessubjected to ASK modulation are emitted at a predetermined transferspeed, which has been observed with an oscilloscope. FIG. 31Billustrates a reception waveform in a case wherein the radio wavesillustrated in FIG. 31A are received within the casing, which has beenobserved with an oscilloscope. The waveform in FIG. 31B is distorted byinfluence of the reflected waves caused within the casing.

FIG. 32A is a diagram showing a waveform within a predetermined timeinterval regarding the transmission waveform illustrated in FIG. 31Awith the phases of envelope curves of 14 waveforms aligned andoverlapped. Also, FIG. 32B is a diagram showing a waveform within thesame predetermined time interval as that in FIG. 32A regarding thereception waveform illustrated in FIG. 31B with the phases of envelopecurves of 14 waveforms aligned and overlapped.

With the waveform illustrated in FIG. 32B, the same amplitude shape asthat of the waveform illustrated in FIG. 32A can be viewed. That is tosay, it can be found that deterioration in the reception waveform due tothe reflected waves caused within the casing is generally constant overtime, and a period wherein the reflected waves affect on the receptionwaveform is short.

Signal waves formed by the radio waves (original signal) to be received,and the reflected waves transferred with a route different from theroute of the radio waves thereof being superimposed, are also referredto as multipath waves, and as described above, influence due to themultipath waves causes a serious problem as the speed of thetransmission signal increases. Also, as described above, with therelated art, deterioration in the reception waveform due to multipathcaused within the casing of an electronic device, or the like, isgenerally constant over time, and a period wherein the multipath wavesaffect on the reception waveform is short, and accordingly, anenvironment such as the inside of the casing of an electronic device canbe referred to as a constant multipath environment.

In such a constant multipath environment, methods for attemptingimprovement in communication quality include the following methods.

For example, there can be conceived a method wherein OFDM (OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiplexing) is employed at the time ofmodulation/demodulation, thereby realizing improvement in communicationquality. However, when employing OFDM, it is fast Fourier transformoften has to be performed, and consequently, increase in powerconsumption causes a problem.

Also, for example, there can be conceived a method wherein SS (SpreadSpectrum) and rake reception are employed, thereby realizing improvementin communication quality. However, when employing SS, signal processingof which the speed is higher than a transmission signal has to beperformed, and accordingly, this is unsuitable for broadbandcommunication such as transmission of video signals.

Also, for example, there can be conceived a method wherein amulti-antenna is employed, thereby realizing improvement incommunication quality. However, in order to obtain the advantage of themulti-antenna, the spacing between the antennas has to be sufficientlyseparated, and accordingly, for example, in a case wherein amulti-antenna is realized on a board within the casing of an electronicdevice, placement is restricted, leading to increase in the size of thedevice, and restriction of design flexibility.

Further, there can be conceived a method wherein a wave absorber isemployed, thereby realizing improvement in communication quality. Forexample, a plate-shaped wave absorber configured of ferrite, urethane,or the like as a material is adhered to the inner wall of the casing asappropriate, or the like, whereby occurrence of reflected waves withinthe casing can be suppressed.

However, with an arrangement wherein solution is injected in the casing,and wireless communication with the solution thereof as a medium isperformed, as with the present invention, occurrence of reflected wavescan be suppressed without providing a wave absorber or the like.

This is because the wavelength of radio waves is reduced by thesolution, and the size of the casing as to the wavelength issufficiently great, so the transfer distance of the reflected waves ofconstant multipath increases, and consequently, the reflected waves aresufficiently attenuated. Also, this is because the solution itself has anature of wave absorption though small, so the longer the transferdistance is, the greater the attenuation of radio waves is, andconsequently, the reflected waves of long-distance constant multipathare greatly attenuated as compared to the radio waves to be received atthe original route, and influence on the reception waveform is reduced.

Also, with the communication apparatus according to an embodiment,modulation methods such as OFDM, SS, or the like do not have to beemployed, whereby broadband wireless communication can also be realizedat low costs.

Therefore, according to the present invention, for example, there is norestriction such as wiring for communication of the functional module,or the like, and accordingly, the mounting position of the functionalmodule can be adjusted flexibly. As a result thereof, improvement indesign flexibility, suppression of increase in manufacturing costs, andelimination of multipath influence with broadband wireless communicationcan be realized.

Note that the respective steps according to the present Specificationinclude not only processing performed in time sequence in accordancewith the described sequence but also processing not necessarilyperformed in time sequence but performed in parallel or individually.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

1. A communication apparatus comprising: a casing into which liquid isinjected; two metal plates disposed so as to come into contact with saidliquid within said casing; and a transmission/reception unit configuredto transmit/receive an electric signal with said two metal plates asantennas, and with said liquid as a medium; wherein said antennastransmit/receive said electric signal to/from a functional modulemounted in said casing so as to come into contact with said liquid; andwherein said functional module is mounted such that said liquid can flowfrom one of said two metal plates to the other.
 2. The communicationapparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said functionalmodules are detachably mounted.
 3. The communication apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein a DC current is emitted into said liquid as saidelectric signal.
 4. The communication apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said transmission/reception unit emits a current into saidliquid with each of said two metal plates as an electrode, and transferspower to said functional module along with said electric signal.
 5. Thecommunication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein saidtransmission/reception unit transmits said electric signal obtained by abaseband signal being subjected to Manchester encoding and phasemodulation.
 6. The communication apparatus according to claim 5, whereinsaid transmission/reception unit decodes said baseband signal byreceiving said electric signal, holding the data of said receivedelectric signal at a seven-stage shift register based on a synchronizingsignal with a frequency four times said baseband signal, and calculatingcorrelation of said held data.
 7. The communication apparatus accordingto claim 6, wherein information relating to the power consumption ofsaid functional module is obtained by transmitting/receiving saidelectric signal.
 8. The communication apparatus according to claim 7,wherein electric load for consuming power by executing predeterminedprocessing is provided in said functional module; and wherein in a casein which a plurality of said functional modules are mounted, a commandfor executing the processing of said electric load is transmitted assaid electric signal in order from the functional module having thegreatest power consumption.
 9. A communication method for acommunication apparatus including a casing into which liquid isinjected, two metal plates disposed so as to come into contact with saidliquid within said casing, and a transmission/reception unit configuredto transmit/receive an electric signal with said two metal plates asantennas, and with said liquid as a medium, said communication methodcomprising the steps of: performing communication with a plurality offunctional modules mounted within said casing by transmitting/receivingan electric signal with said liquid as a medium; determining the numberof said functional modules mounted in said communication apparatusitself, and the power consumption of each of said functional modules,based on said communication; determining the activation order of saidfunctional modules based on said determined power consumption; andtransmitting said electric signal which is a command for activating saidfunctional modules in accordance with said determined activation order,and also supplying power to said functional modules from said two metalplates through said liquid.
 10. A functional module for receiving powersupply from a communication apparatus including a casing into whichliquid is injected, two metal plates disposed so as to come into contactwith said liquid within said casing, and a transmission/reception unitconfigured to transmit/receive an electric signal with said two metalplates as antennas, and with said liquid as a medium, said functionalmodule comprising: antennas disposed on the surface and rear face of aplate-shaped main unit respectively, which come into contact with saidliquid; and communication means configured to communicate with saidcommunication apparatus or another functional module bytransmitting/receiving said electric signal with said liquid as amedium; wherein the surface area of said main unit is smaller than thecross-sectional area of said casing.
 11. The functional module accordingto claim 10, wherein said communication apparatus transfers power tosaid functional module along with said electric signal by emitting acurrent into said liquid with each of said two metal plates as anelectrode; and wherein said functional module further includes a powerconversion circuit obtains power transferred from said communicationapparatus with said antennas as electrodes through said electrodes, andsupplies said power to electric load.
 12. The functional moduleaccording to claim 11, wherein said antennas are connected to said powerconversion circuit, and are also connected to said communication meansthrough a coupling capacitor.
 13. The functional module according toclaim 11, wherein a plurality of electrodes are disposed on each of thesurface and rear face of said main unit; and wherein said electric loadand said electric conversion circuit are provided, which correspond toeach of said plurality of electrodes.
 14. The functional moduleaccording to claim 11, wherein said power conversion circuit includes adiode bridge for rectifying a current supplied from said electrodes. 15.The functional module according to claim 11, wherein said electrodeshave an area corresponding to the volume of said liquid.
 16. Thefunctional module according to claim 11, wherein said communicationmeans transmit said electric signal obtained by a baseband signal beingsubjected to Manchester encoding and phase modulation.
 17. Thefunctional module according to claim 16, wherein said communicationmeans decode said baseband signal by receiving said electric signal,holding the data of said received electric signal at a seven-stage shiftregister based on a synchronizing signal with a frequency four timessaid baseband signal, and calculating correlation of said held data. 18.The functional module according to claim 16, wherein informationrelating to the power consumption of said functional module itself istransmitted with said electric signal.
 19. The functional moduleaccording to claim 10, wherein sealing members are provided, which coverelectrodes disposed on the surface and rear face of said main unit. 20.A functional module for receiving power supply from a communicationapparatus including a casing into which liquid is injected, two metalplates disposed so as to come into contact with said liquid within saidcasing, and a transmission/reception unit configured to transmit/receivean electric signal with said two metal plates as antennas, and with saidliquid as a medium, said functional module comprising: antennas disposedon the surface and rear face of a plate-shaped main unit respectively,which come into contact with said liquid; and a communication unitconfigured to communicate with said communication apparatus or anotherfunctional module by transmitting/receiving said electric signal withsaid liquid as a medium; wherein the surface area of said main unit issmaller than the cross-sectional area of said casing.